Built From Her Bones: A Mayhem At Midnight Novel

by Zachery Clark

In the rain-soaked streets of Port Sentinel, Special Agent Damon Parker hunts a killer whose crimes echo the darkest moment of his the brutal murder of his mother. Each body left behind is a meticulously staged tableau, marked by a single lilac petal, a chilling signature that drags Damon back to the night his world shattered. As the body count rises, the killer, Anthony Vexler, a man of chilling precision and hidden scars, plays a deadly game, taunting Damon with cryptic messages and personal relics.

With his team, rookie Joe Ortega and sharp profiler Natalie Rivera, Damon chases leads through seedy bars, decaying apartments, and forgotten parks, unraveling a pattern that points to a mastermind orchestrating chaos from the shadows. But every step closer to Vexler pulls Damon deeper into his trauma, threatening to break him before he can stop the next kill. As the stakes escalate and allies fall, Damon must confront the ghosts of his past to end the game or become its final piece.

A gritty, heart-pounding noir thriller, Built from Her Bones weaves a tale of vengeance, redemption, and the cost of chasing monsters in a city that never sleeps.

263 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2025

About the author

Zachery Clark is a retired Army veteran and cross‑genre novelist whose twenty‑plus years of service instilled discipline, resilience, and a deep respect for the power of storytelling. A devoted father of three, he balances family life with a lifelong passion for creativity, whether fueling his Lego obsession or crafting narratives that blur the line between reality and imagination.
Clark's fascination with writing began in childhood, when he reworked novels into short stories he proudly shared with his mother. That early spark evolved into a signature style defined by psychological tension, meta‑fictional twists, and characters whose relationships pulse with authenticity, dark humor, and emotional depth. His fiction challenges readers to question perception, power, and truth, blending meticulous research with innovative narrative structures.

His work has recently drawn national attention through BrightKey PR's press campaigns, most notably the announcement of Built From Her Bones (December 2025), the latest installment in the Mayhem at Midnight series. Praised for its noir‑infused atmosphere and emotional resonance, the novel further cements Clark's reputation as a writer who fuses cinematic suspense with deep human storytelling.

Beyond fiction, Clark embraces his inner research geek. He holds three degrees, including Homeland Security and Human Resource Management, and brings that analytical rigor to every project. When he's not writing or staring into the abyss of a computer screen, he can often be found outdoors… unless the cold drives him back inside to gaze longingly out the window.
Who's he kidding? He’s playing video games.

Follow Zachery Clark online:
- TikTok: @clarkbar842
- Instagram: @wheresarchiecat
- Facebook: facebook.com/zachery.clark.935060

Reviews

[Krys · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ Absolutely unputdownable

Special Agent Damon Parker hunting a killer who leaves lilac petals at every crime scene is chilling enough, but what made this book a 5-star for me is how personal it gets. Watching Damon have to confront his own mother's murder while he's racing to stop the next killing? Brutal, emotional, and brilliantly written. You feel every bit of that tension.

Clark's pacing is perfect - short chapters, constant twists, and just when you think you have it figured out, he flips it. The lilac petal signature is so creepy and original, and the way the case weaves into Damon's past trauma makes you genuinely care about what happens next.

If you love FBI thrillers with heart, trauma, and a killer you won't forget, this is it. I was totally hooked, and I am devouring Book 3.

Dark, fast, emotional, and impossible to put down. Easily one of the best thrillers I've read this year.

Highly, highly recommend.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely consumed me. Damon Parker is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in years, flawed, haunted, and relentless. The way Clark intertwines Damon’s past trauma with the present case is done so seamlessly. Every chapter had me on edge, and the tension never let up. Truly a masterclass in noir thriller writing.

Recommended by Rebbeca sarah

[Janvi Santwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Built From Her Bones, Zachery Clark drags you straight into the rain-drenched chaos of Port Sentinel . The plot follows Special Agent Damon Parker as he hunts a killer who mirrors the trauma of his mother’s murder, leaving behind staged crime scenes and a haunting lilac petal . The story unfolds like a dark puzzle—each clue tightening the tension and pulling Damon closer to both the truth and his past. It’s a gripping mix of mystery, fear, and emotional unraveling as the city itself becomes a character in this chilling noir.

The characters carry the emotional weight of the narrative. Damon’s connection to the case is deeply personal, and his inner conflict adds a heartbreaking depth. His dynamic with rookie Joe Ortega and profiler Natalie Rivera feels real—messy, supportive, and sometimes strained, which adds to the story’s emotional layering . Even the antagonist, Anthony Vexler, is crafted with chilling precision; he’s not just a villain but a psychological mirror who forces Damon to confront his own shadows. Their cat-and-mouse energy drives the story forward like a ticking time bomb .

Zachery Clark’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and perfectly paced . The noir vibe is consistent throughout—moody streets, quiet dread, and emotionally charged moments that hit hard. Themes of vengeance, trauma, and redemption are woven seamlessly, giving the story both a cinematic feel and an emotional punch . I loved how every chapter tightened the suspense without ever losing heart. If you enjoy gritty thrillers with depth, this one won’t just keep you up at nightit’ll stay with you long after you turn the last.

[K S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful

Built from Her Bones, the second book in Zachery Clark’s Mayhem at Midnight series, has a storyline that pulled me in from the beginning.

Damon is a detective haunted by a brutal murder he witnessed when he was only six or seven years old. Now, years later, he spends his life solving crimes—but someone is forcing him to confront his past by reenacting details from the murder he witnessed as a child.

Even more disturbing is the killer’s use of the scent of lilacs on the victims. That familiar scent immediately takes Damon back to his childhood trauma, throwing him into a tailspin each time he encounters it. As the case becomes increasingly personal, you’re left wondering how much the killer knows about Damon—and why he is being targeted.

The book is filled with interesting characters, suspense, and plenty of plot twists that kept me guessing throughout. I really enjoyed the storyline and Damon as the main character.

[Holli Mattox · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️ This book is one that nightmares are made of. Proceed with caution.

We dive straight in to an active crime scene with Agent Damon Parker as he investigates a string of murders that mirror a murder that has haunted his dreams since childhood; the murder of his mother. We ride agent Parker’s wave of trauma fueled emotions as anger, anxiety, and obsession wreak havoc upon his life and his relationships. I loved everything about this book. The pacing was perfect and the suspense was top notch.

“You never really leave. You just become part of someone else’s nightmare.”

[Victoria Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. From the first page, the rainy streets of Port Sentinel came alive in my imagination, and I felt like I was right alongside Damon as he chased Vexler. The crime scenes were chillingly detailed, the suspense relentless, and the characters were so well-developed that I cared deeply about each of them. Highly recommend

what a lovely book

[Alice Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. From the first page, the rainy streets of Port Sentinel came alive in my imagination, and I felt like I was right alongside Damon as he chased Vexler. The crime scenes were chillingly detailed, the suspense relentless, and the characters were so well-developed that I cared deeply about each of them. Highly recommend

i love the video a lot it looks like a movie

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The psychological depth of this thriller is remarkable. Anthony Vexler is terrifyingly brilliant, and I loved how the story explored the nature of trauma and obsession. The writing is so vivid that every scene, the rain-soaked streets, the decaying apartments, felt like I was there. A chilling, unforgettable read. i will surly explore more around the author brand

[Reuben Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the novel combined action, suspense, and emotional depth. Damon’s journey is heart-wrenching, and Vexler is a villain you won’t forget anytime soon. Each clue, each twist, kept me guessing until the very end. I felt like I was unraveling the mystery right alongside the characters.

[Leonie Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way Zachery Clark builds suspense is nothing short of brilliant. The story is dark, gripping, and full of twists I never saw coming. Damon’s personal struggles add weight to the narrative, making every danger he faces feel real and urgent. I read it in two sittings it was that good.

[Angie Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book grabbed me from the first page and never let go. Clark’s depiction of Port Sentinel is atmospheric and dark, perfectly matching the tone of the story. Damon’s struggles with his past, combined with the deadly cat-and-mouse game with Vexler, made this an unforgettable read.

[Jessie Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is haunting and thrilling in equal measure. Damon Parker is a protagonist you can’t help but root for, and Vexler is the kind of villain that chills you to the bone. Clark’s attention to detail and the seamless blending of suspense and emotion make this book stand out

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely feel so invested in a thriller, but this book completely drew me in. The tension, the twists, and the emotional stakes are all top-notch. Damon’s character is so real, and the way he confronts his past while chasing Vexler is compelling and heartbreaking. Incredible read.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Built From Her Bones is a dark, gripping, and emotionally charged thriller. The story had me turning pages late into the night. Damon Parker is one of the most memorable characters I’ve read, and the plot twists kept me guessing at every turn. Clark is a brilliant storyteller.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was completely hooked from start to finish. The mix of suspense, psychological tension, and emotional depth makes this book unforgettable. Damon Parker is a protagonist you care about, and the way he faces his past while chasing Vexler adds real weight to the story. Brilliantly written.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The level of detail in this book is amazing. From the rainy streets to the meticulously staged crime scenes, I could picture every moment vividly. Damon Parker’s hunt for Vexler is heart-pounding, and the emotional depth makes the suspense even more gripping. Fantastic thriller

[Royalty Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is dark, suspenseful, and emotionally gripping. Damon’s journey to confront his past while hunting Vexler is both heartbreaking and thrilling. I felt every twist and turn alongside the characters, and the tension never let up. One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time.

[Hahno Liole · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first page, I was hooked. Clark’s writing is immersive and vivid, and the tension never lets up. Damon’s pursuit of Vexler is thrilling, and the psychological depth adds so much to the story. I couldn’t put this book down and am still thinking about it days late

[Haske · Rating 4 out of 5]

The level of suspense and tension in this book is incredible. Every chapter made my heart race, and I felt like I was right there with Damon in Port Sentinel. The plot is clever, the characters are well-developed, and the writing is immersive. A must-read for thriller fans

[Lisa Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Built From Her Bones kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Damon’s personal struggles make him a relatable and compelling hero, and Vexler is a chilling villain. The pacing, plot twists, and dark atmosphere make this book unforgettable

[Scotliteboost · Rating 3 out of 5]

Built From Her Bones is a thrilling, emotional, and perfectly paced noir thriller. Damon Parker’s quest for justice is intense, and the story’s dark atmosphere makes every twist more gripping. I felt every moment alongside the characters and couldn’t stop reading

[Georgie Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Built From Her Bones is a page-turner. The plot twists, suspense, and emotional depth are all expertly executed. Damon Parker is a protagonist you’ll root for, and the villain, Vexler, is terrifyingly brilliant. Highly recommend to thriller fans.

[Grace Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is intense, dark, and captivating. Damon Parker’s pursuit of Vexler is heart-pounding, and the exploration of his past adds depth to the narrative. Clark’s writing is immersive, and every scene feels vivid. One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time

[Oliva Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much in love with this book 😍😍

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the dark, gripping atmosphere of this book. The plot twists are clever, the pacing is perfect, and Damon Parker is a protagonist you’ll root for from the first page

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated me in a way few others do. The story is cinematic and packed with edge-of-your-seat details—I was always anxious to pick it back up. It’s twisted and disturbing, yet completely fun and heartbreaking. Watching Damon relive his childhood trauma was gripping, and I loved that he ultimately found a trusting partner in Natalie to face the shrouded mystery of whatever comes next in his journey.

[Sejucot Rylon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zachery Clark has done it again. The second installment of his Mayhem at Midnight keeps you flipping for more. Following the drama driven childhood of Agent Parker and the torture he endures of constant reminders from the Antagonist keeps you engaged and wondering what will happen next.

[Michelle Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am honored to have read Built from Her Bones, written by my friend & author, Zachery Clark. The story stays true to the classic murder mystery tropes that we love, with its own twist.

I found it to be a page turner and I look forward to reading the next series installment after the cliffhanger at the end!

[Delilah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as interesting and incredible as the first book in the series I loved the plot and the characters I can’t wait for book 3 to be out 😊 Zachery you did an amazing job as always keep up the amazing work I’m proud of you

[S Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Zachery Clark! Built from Her Bones is the kind of book that sinks under your skin! Damon Parker's relentless pursuit of truth (or revenge, or whatever drives him) really pulls you into the psychological depths alongside him. This was truly crafted into something special here. A thriller that's both detailed and impossible to put down. Absolutely deserves its 5/5 star! Can't wait to see what else Zachery Clark brings!